JERUSALEM 

Families of Israeli soldiers complained of "unreasonable" conditions their sons face in southern Lebanon, claiming they are under direct fire amid a lack of resources and insufficient air cover, Israeli media reported Thursday.

The Times of Israel said that families of Israeli soldiers claim that their children are “exposed to direct fire amid limited resources and insufficient air cover” during the military operation.

According to the report, families of soldiers in the “Nahal” reconnaissance unit sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli soldiers are facing heavy losses.

Four soldiers were killed and others injured in clashes with Hezbollah.

The letter, also addressed to Defense Minister Israel Katz and military leaders, criticized the focus of the Israeli Air Force on Iran-linked operations rather than supporting ground troops.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in the south since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.

Lebanese authorities said that nearly 1,318 people have since been killed and 3,935 others wounded in the Israeli assault.

Writing by Abdel Ra'ouf D. A. R. Arnaout